If you want to make your home inviting for the coming season, there’s nothing better than decorating your front door.
I asked interior designers about their favorite ways to accomplish this, and they came up with a ton of adorable ideas that are all budget-friendly. Think cute pumpkins, dreamy lanterns, fall-themed doormats, and more.
If you’re looking to add some fall decorating ideas to your outdoor space, you’ll surely find these chic yet characterful ideas useful.
1. Provide cozy lighting
(Image credit: Lights4fun / Oliver Perrott)
Create a cozy atmosphere by dreamily lighting your doorstep, for example with outdoor lanterns and candles.
“I love lanterns and think large outdoor lanterns made of brass or bronze can create a spooky and/or cozy aesthetic to celebrate the fall festivities,” explains Michael Strollo, director of Dash Fine Arts and principal designer at Strollo Interiors.
“I would place a few large lanterns at different heights outside your front door or entryway. Placing them next to your door or stairs, or along your driveway or walkway, not only provides illumination, but also welcomes guests with a glowing atmosphere that’s perfect for candy collectors and early sunsets,” he explains.
For a less spooky atmosphere, Michael suggests surrounding the candlestick with small pumpkins, pine cones, acorns or fall leaves to add structure and emphasize fall.
Terrain lantern with rounded dome top
Size (in.): From H14 x W7.5 x L7.5
Made from: Glass, metal
Price: From $88
I like that this lantern comes in both small and large, so if you have the budget, you can always get both to create an eye-catching focal point on your doorstep in the fall. To maintain, simply wipe it down with a dry cloth, or with a damp cloth if it gets dirty.
2. Place pumpkins in front of your front door
(Image credit: Wayfair)
You can’t go wrong with pumpkins and cucurbits and they’re a great way to add natural texture to your front door in the fall.
“Pumpkins and gourds are classic fall decorations that come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, making them perfect for any style,” explains Rachel Stringer, design expert at Raleigh Realty.
“You can arrange them in groups of different sizes and colors for an interesting look, using both real and artificial pumpkins,” she says.
For a modern touch, Rachel also suggests painting them in metallic or pastel shades—a cute DIY idea for fall.
3. Lay out an inviting autumn doormat
(Image credit: Ruggable)
This is probably the easiest way to change up your doorstep for fall. In fact, I always change my doormat to give my doorstep a fresh look for the season.
“You can welcome your guests with a seasonal fall doormat featuring autumnal designs or colors,” says Rachel.
She continues, “Lay a smaller, patterned mat over a larger, neutral one to add depth and texture to your doorstep.”
You can also surround these with outdoor lighting, as Michael mentioned, to create a welcoming glow. “For safety reasons, only use battery-operated candles,” advises Rachel.
Harvest Leaves Monogram Doormat
Size (in.): W24 x L36
Made from: bristle
Price: 129 $
Want a personal touch? You can add any letter you like on this pretty rug, such as the first letter of your first or last name, or even your street name. The beauty of Ruggable rugs is that you can wash them in the washing machine, so when you come back from a muddy autumn walk, you can remove all the dirt from your shoes and throw it right in.
4. Use seasonal foliage
(Image credit: Lights4fun / Oliver Perrott)
Another wonderful way to bring color and life to your front door is with gorgeous seasonal flowers and foliage.
“Use planters filled with chrysanthemums, asters or ornamental cabbage, arranged symmetrically for a formal look or asymmetrically for a casual, natural feel,” explains Rachel. “Add dried wheat or corn stalks to enhance the autumnal mood.”
In addition, you can hang fall wreaths to decorate your front door with a simple but effective fall decoration.
“Opt for wreaths made from fall leaves, pine cones or dried flowers,” recommends Rachel. “You can even make your own wreath using materials like burlap, ribbon and seasonal flowers.” You can also incorporate small pumpkins or berries into the wreath for a unique touch.
5. Finish with playful accents
(Image credit: Lights4fun / Oliver Perrott)
Fall is the most wonderful season of the year. It’s cozy, sweet, and full of distinctive motifs that you can bring right to your doorstep.
Rachel says, “Incorporate elements like hay bales, corn leaves or scarecrows to reinforce the fall theme.”
“Use hay bales as a base to highlight pumpkins or floral arrangements, and add a small scarecrow for a playful touch,” she adds.
Combine these elements to create a cohesive look that reflects your personal style.
By combining rustic and functional decor, you can create a dreamy and inviting fall door.
Want to keep looking for seasonal decor? I’m loving Anthropologie’s fall collection, which is full of beautiful pumpkins this year.
